CAR T-Cell What You Should Know Today
CAR T-cell therapy, also known as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is a type of immunotherapy that uses genetically modified T cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Here's what you need to know about CAR T-cell therapy:
How does CAR T-cell therapy work?
CAR T-cell therapy involves taking a patient's own T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system, and genetically engineering them to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The CAR is designed to recognize a specific antigen, which is a protein found on the surface of cancer cells. Once the CAR T cells are infused back into the patient, they can recognize and bind to the cancer cells, leading to their destruction.
What types of cancer are treated with CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of blood cancers, including:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and young adults
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults
- Multiple myeloma in adults
Clinical trials are also underway to evaluate CAR T-cell therapy for other types of cancer, including solid tumors.
What are the potential benefits of CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy can provide significant benefits for patients with certain types of cancer. In some cases, it can lead to long-term remission or even a cure. CAR T-cell therapy has been shown to be effective in patients who have failed other standard treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
What are the potential risks of CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy can have serious side effects, including:
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): This is a systemic inflammatory response that can occur after CAR T-cell infusion. Symptoms of CRS can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.
- Neurotoxicity: This is a condition that can affect the brain and nervous system. Symptoms of neurotoxicity can include confusion, seizures, and hallucinations.
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): This is a condition that can occur when the infused CAR T cells attack healthy tissues in the body. Symptoms of GVHD can vary depending on the affected organs.
Who is a good candidate for CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is not suitable for everyone. Eligibility for CAR T-cell therapy depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, the patient's overall health, and the availability of suitable CAR T cells. Doctors will carefully evaluate each patient to determine if they are a good candidate for CAR T-cell therapy.
What happens during CAR T-cell therapy?
The process of CAR T-cell therapy typically involves the following steps:
1. Collection of T cells: T cells are collected from the patient's blood through a process called apheresis.
2. Genetic engineering: The collected T cells are genetically modified in the laboratory to express a CAR.
3. Expansion: The genetically modified T cells are grown and expanded in the laboratory to increase their numbers.
4. Infusion: The expanded CAR T cells are infused back into the patient's body through an intravenous (IV) line.
Following infusion, patients will be closely monitored for side effects and their response to the therapy.
It's important to note that CAR T-cell therapy is a complex treatment, and individual experiences can vary. If you are considering CAR T-cell therapy, it's essential to talk to your doctor and weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your specific situation.